As we recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month, it is more important than ever to take the opportunity to raise awareness and understand that we each play a role in suicide prevention.
At Jefferson County Schools, we have not been immune to the devastating impact of this public health crisis. That is why we continue to proactively work to help reduce the risk of suicide in our community, starting with our students and staff.
In the last year, JCS created a new suicide prevention protocol with input from school psychologists, counselors, nurses, and administrators. This protocol gives principals, counselors, and teachers a way to intervene when a student is identified as at risk of suicide.
Through partnerships, nine schools have therapists or clinical social workers providing in-school therapy to eligible students. This is one more way we are working to connect our students to caring adults they can reach out to if they are experiencing distress. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can help prevent suicides and save lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call, text, or chat online to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for individuals in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources. Get more information here, or by clicking on the image below.
